Updates from the Dominican Republic on the men's basketball team

Aug 22, 2010

"THe business center
computer is down so I borrowed the computer from the bank exchange
for a minute. We split games with the two pro teams winning in the
morning behind a total team effort and losing a close game in the
nightcap to Santiago's top team Metros. Zach Bailey led the way in
the morning contest scoring seven straight points including the
game winner in the last minute. Chase Dunn proved to be fearless
against the Metros team as he challenged the larger and stronger
professional players and gave the Golden Eagles a chance to win
against the heavily favored home team. International rules are huge
because you can not call a timeout when you have the ball and the
opponents can call timeout and advance the ball to halfcourt which
really changes strategy. I am so proud of how hard our team has
fought with four games in 30 hours. Our depth is great and we need
it as 16 guys have played in two games and 15 in another and at
least 13 in the remaining game. Javon McKay got his first dunk as a
Golden Eagle against the Metros team. Jud Dillard has had several
big slams and leads the team in dunks so far.

The mayor of Santiago
hosted the team at his office and the squad got a few minutes at a
local mall before going to the arena. He showed up at the game with
an entourage and we had a delay of 20 minutes between the first and
second quarters.

Both of the first two
days the team was hosted at the G.O. Ministries church facility for
lunch, showering and rest between games. Will, Audrey,Tim and the
entire staff have been so great to us and our team is having a
wonderful experience. We have seen some interesting sites and the
experience of driving with few information signs and stoplights is
hectic to say the least.

Today we go to Puerta
Plata for our fifth game in 44 hours. Whew! This team really runs
and the Metros coach said we would have our hands full. I watched
Metros and Puerta Plata play on TV on Friday night in a packed
house at the arena. There are some great basketball fans
here.

Guys got a little beach
time this morning and i have a great kayaking story with video for
later. New meaning to the term 'up the creek without a paddle' for
Al, Kevin, Matt, Terrell and Bassey!

We miss everyone back
home and will check in agin when we can. Special Gracias to
Gisselle for letting me borrow her computer!"